Control valve



G. W. DE BELL CONTROL VALVE Filed- Aug. 6, 1938 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR ATTORNEY s. w. DE BELL CONTROL VALVE Now. 5, 1940.

4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug- 6, 1938 INVgNTOR V 35 provide a Patented Nov. 5, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE- coN'raoI. vulva George W. lie Bell, Merchantville, N. 1., assignor,

by memo assignments, to Deconstruction Flnance Corporation Application August 0, 1m, SerlalNo. 223,522

This invention relates to control valves.

In application #190,716, of de Ganahl, having the same assignee as this application, there was disclosed a control valve representing a distinct advance in the art, and upon which. in many regards, this constitutes an improvement. In said application the control valve was connected with a plurality of hydraulic motors or agencies in position to selectively but alternately actuate or energize a given one by placing it in communication with a source of hydraulic pressure or power. The de Ganahl control valve is highly eiiective and 01' greater simplicity and ease or operation than anything known in the prior art. As dell veloped hitherto however, it was subject to one major criticism in its application to use with aircraft, for instance, in that owing to the fact that all units of the valve were in series, but one 01 the hydraulic motors or agencies could be actugy ated at one time. Obviously in certain emergency and'other conditions in aircraft and analogous uses, it would be desirable to be able to efl'ect the simultaneous actuation of a plurality oi agencies.

It is among the objects of this invention: to

tiple control valve by which'selectively, by single manual manipulation, a desired device can be energized to a maximum hydraulic pressure without additional manipulations or attention by the operator: to provide a l 30 hydraulic system in which a low pressure hydraulic circuit is rendered available for the rapid energization and build-up of suitable high pressure in a selected mechanism or in a plurality of mechanisms simultaneously, without further 35 or continuing attention from the operator: to provide a single control means by which a desired mechanism is energized until the pressure actuates a signal, pursuant to which the operator at his convenience may operate the single control to 0 simultaneously lock the actuated device while permitting the circuit to return to low pressure circulation; to improve the art of valves; to provide a control valve with multiple control elements each oi. which is so disposed in a common circuit as to be tree from sticking or jamming because of pressure conditions on the elements; to provide a multiple control valve of extreme simplicity and lightness of weight with high eiiiciency foraircraft and the like, by which one or In a plurality oi hydraulic motors may be selectively, alternately or simultaneously actuated; to provide an improved hydraulic system and one of improved functioning for general purposes; to provide a control valve system in which a la plurality of control units are arranged in series a Claims. (Cl. 211-50 for low-pressure circulation of a power stream and arranged for disposition in parallel for high pressure circulation of the power stream; to provide a plurality of valve units arranged for operative relative association to accord with thevari- 5' ations in number 0! hydraulic motor devices or agencies to be coupled to the assembled control device; to provide a control valve in which the valve units are balanced in pressure and reaction to prevent binding; and many other objects and i0 advantages will become more apparent as the description proceeds.

In the accompanying drawings forming part of this description:

Fig. i represents a diagram of the complete I! hydraulic system according to the simplest two unit form of the invention.

- Fig. 2 represents a vertical transverse section through the simple two unit valve assembly of Fig. 1 showing both control valve units. 30

Fig 3 represents a section partially in elevation of the relief valve and return circuit conduit of the invention.

Fig. 4 represents a diagrammatic section through the two valves of Pig. 2 to illustrate the several bores and passages of the end units to show the relation of the circulation passages.

.Fig. 5 represents a section through the diagram of Fig. 4, on line II thereof, showing the return tree flow circulation level.

Fig. 6 represents a similar section taken on line M of Fig. 4 showing the. other free flow level above the return.

'Fig. 7 represents a similar section on line 1-4 of Fig. 4 showing the first pressure level.

Fig. 8 represents a similar section taken on line 0-4 c! Fig. 4 showing the ultimate or upper pressure level and the intake and exhaust ports or the associated agencies in position to be coupled with the respective valve passages upon 40 suitable oscillation of the valve plugs.

Fig. 8-A represents a section similar to that of Fig. 8, with both valves a..- valve plugs turned in relatively opposite directions.

Fig. 9 represents a diagrammatic section series with the valve units of Figs. 9 and 10 when a multiple valve of three or more units is to be used and which forms all odd numbered units after the first shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 represents a similar diagrammatic section through a valve unit of the type shown in lg. 10 when used as a terminal unitof an even numbered series of units.

Fig. 13 represents a similar diagrammatic valve section through a valve unit of the type shown in Fig. 11 when used as the terminal unit in an uneven numbered series of units.

Fig. 14 represents a schematic diagram in substantial projection of the system under free flow low pressure conditions with all units closed relative to their coupled operated agencies, and with such agencies hydraulically locked.

Fig. 15 represents a similar schematic diagram of the system under high pressure conditions incident to actuation of two valve units shutting off the free flow series circuit.

The theory underlying the invention can perhaps best be understood by reference to the purely schematic or diagrammatic three unit disclosures of Figs. 14 and 15 in the light of the two unit multiple valve of Fig. 1. While the diagrams do not exactly portray the actual preferred operation of the valves, as will be pointed out, they will serve to illustrate anexempliilcation of the principle of a series circulation of low pressure fluid when the valves are closed, and of high pressure parallel relations of the valves and the circuit when one or more of the valves has been actuated and in which pressure on the valves is always balancedand even. Referring, for just a moment, to Fig. 1, a two unit assembly I! is disclosed having an actuating valve shank II on one side and an actuating valve shank 12 on the other upon which suitable handles (not shown) are to be mounted. The valve actuated by shank ll controls lines II and it running to a cylinder ll containing a piston 18 to actuate the rod l1 connected therewith. The rod I1 is coupled to and actuates a desired mechanism, such, for instance as a retractible landing gear (not shown). The valve actuated by the shank 12, controls passages I8 and 20 running to a cylinder 2| or the like containing piston 22 engaging rod 23 in turn coupled to a desired mechanism such as a wing flap, for instance (not shown). A source of hydraulic power such as a gear pump or the like 24 having a delivery line 25 entering boss 20 of the multiple control valve II has an intake line 21 leading to a reservoir 28 with a line 30 extending between the reservoir and the exhaust boss 31, extending perpendicularly out of the bottom of the housing ii, to complete the circuit. As shown in Figs. 14 and 15 a relief valve I is mounted in a by-passing line leading from line 25 through line ill around pump 24 to line 21. This circuit is common to all forms of the multiple valve preferably, according to the best embodiment of the invention regardless of the number of valve units.

While the purely illustrative disclosureof Fig.

1 is of the simplest nature comprising but two units, it is a feature of the invention that the number of units may vary in accordance with requirements without limit upon the number of units that may be assembled in one entity. Thus,

again purely illustratively the disclosures of Figs.

14 and 15 include three valve units, and as will be explained the valve units disclosed in Figs. 9 to 13 inclusive, may be operatively associated in a great number of units as will be described.

Referring .to the schematic disclosures of Figs. 14 and 15, the oscillatory valves A, B and C are provided, of which for instance valves A and B might be those actuated by valve shanks I i and i2 respectively in Fig. 1. The intake connector 2! leading from the output side of the pump 24 has the connecting intake channels respectively 12, 33 and 34 normally closed by the respective valves A, B and C. The housing surrounding the valves has divergent ports respectively 13 and H for valve A, II and 2| for valve B and I5 and 38 for valve C. A third hydraulic motor comprising a cylinder 1, piston I and connection 0 for operation by unit or valve C is provided. The ports are in communication with the respective agencies or motors to be controlled respectively on opposite sides of the piston thereof and are normally closed by the respective valves. Valve A includes a transverse diametric passage 31 always in communication with channel 32 axially between its ends and arranged to place intake channel 32 in direct communication with either port II or H in accordance with the direction in which the valve is swung. The valve A also has a drain outlet 38 arranged to register with the opposite port It or l4 from that in communication with the channel 31 when the valve is swung and being always in communication with the vent channel ll leading into return conduit 21. Valve B has a similar diametric channel 40 into which the intake passage 38 leads between theends of the diametric channel, and the valve unit is arranged to couple the communicating intakepassage 33 with a selected port II or 20. and illustratively in Fig. 15 it has been so swung as to communicate with the outlet port 18. Simultaneously its drain channel II has been placed in communication with the port 20 so as to vent the fluid from the actuated agency into the conduit 30 leading to return 21. Valve 0 has a similar diametric passage 42 into the medium portion of which the power line 34 leads. Valve C also has a drain outlet 43 and in Fig, 15 is shown as having been given a clockwise rotation to place channel 42 in communication with port 3| leading to one side of piston I in cylinder 1, while the other port 38 has been placed in communication with the drainage outlet ll leading to return conduits 30 and 21.

The valves A, B and C respectively have also transverse free flow passages 44, 45 and ll in "series alignment with the return circulating channel 21, each leading to median points of the passages, so that when the valves A, B and C are in neutral position, that is. so turned as to close the respective diametric channels, 32, 33 and 34, by having opposite ends of the channels in juxtaposed relation to the valve chambers, a continuous low pressure free flow circulation from the pump 24 through the valve assembly and return, in series through each of the valve units of the multiple valve, is provided. It is worthy of note that at this time also each of the hydraulic agencies It, 22 and l are hydraulically locked by the closing of both of their ports by .the respective valves.

Assuming that any valves are turned, as valves B and C in Fig. 15 as shown, the low pressure or free flow circulation is immediately terminated by the fact that channel or duct 48, as well, of course, as duct 45, is moved out of registration with the channel 21, while simultaneously intake channels 40 and 42 of valves 13 and C respectively are coupled with the respective hydraulic motor connectors I8 and 35 so that the continu- 7 ation of the pumping by pump 26 leads fluid through short connections 33 and 34 through the valves and behind pistons 22 and 8, and builds up high pressure in the entire system up to valve A, in the short connector 32, of line 25, and up to valve C in the return line 21. If at this juncture valve A was to be actuated the high pressure fluid would be available upon the hydraulic agency l6 which it controls. Obviously the change from low pressure and free flow to high pressure occurs when two or more of the valves are actuated simultaneously, as well as upon the actuation of a single valve.

One major diiference of this invention from the prior art lies ln the fact that the pressure in short lines 22, 22 and 24, as well as in the return-line 21, by the closing is stopped internally of the valve itself, by balanced pressure in both directions diametrically against the valve housing, instead of by interposing the valve body or plug itself across .the opening. The latter procedure might with high pressures exert such a lateral unbalanced pressure upon the valve body itself as to cause it to bind therein to a degree rendering the operation of the valves difficult and even impossible, as well as increasing the wear and hastening the development of leaks if the valves are actuated during periods of lateral 3o unbalanced pressures. The construction accordof a valve to stop the fluid flow always causes the pressure to terminate within the valve itself in an open diametric duct, so that the pressure on the valve body can be evenly balanced to prevent binding, as .the action and reaction on the valve in its housing are always equal, opposite and cancelling. 5

Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 for a disclosure of the preferred embodiment of the actual mul- 40 tiple valve itself in its simplest two unit form, the housing It is suitably drilled and plugged as to form a longitudinal primary valve chamber or aperture i0. having the liner ll held in place at the rear end by the rear hollow threaded ring 52, having a central axial aperture 58. 'At -the front end the liner II is held in place by the threaded plug 84 having a packing gland I55 through which the shank ll of the valve or valve plug to be described may extend. The housing ill has a boss 26 (Fig. 3) through which the passage 58, extends, in'communication with an intersecting passage 51, leading to the valve units, with the boss 28 in communication with intake 25 from the pump 24. The transverse bore 51 (Fig. 2) is arranged for both free flow and pressure flow as well and leads the incoming hy- .draulic fluid .to the valve chamber 80 through a port 68, and through a port 22 into aspaced parallel longitudinal secondary valve chamber v8|! having a liner Ii. In spaced parallel relation to passage or bore I! there is provided 'thetransverse channel or bore 02 arranged for free flow only, having terminal ports 84 and il in the respective valve chambers. The secondary valve chamber liner ll is held in place by the hollow substantially cylindrical threaded plug 02 at the rear end, and by the frontal threaded plug 21, having the packing gland 68 for the valve shank l2. In the two unit device shown in Fig. 2, the 70 housing is further provided with the frontal short transverse bore I0 having the port II and the elongated passage 12 parallel to the valve chambers 50 and B0.

The rear of the assembly and housing is closed and sealed by the internally webbed or ing to this invention is such that the actuation footed end plate 13 carrying the external boss 2| and defining-an internal common transverse passage "I4 communicating simultaneously with the axial apertures in the threaded plugs 52 and 6B, and about a supporting foot, with the return passage 12. This corresponds to return line 39 of Fig. 14. The boss 3| has an internal aperture I5 communicating with the passage 14 and v with the conduit 30 leading to the pump.

The valve housing has a relief valve 5 com-.

prising a relief valve seat 18 (Fig. 3) in the passage 56 on the other side of the intersecting.

:unseating of the valve when the pressure in the system reaches a predetermined point. Usually and preferably the relief valve is so arranged as to vibrate or otherwise audibly or visibly to indicate that the relief pressure has been attained. Obviously upon attainment of relief high pressure in the system, the fluid passing about the ball and through channel 11 passes through boss 3| to the line 30 of the pump system.

All of the valve units or valve plugs used with this system are of the same size and as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2 are each provided with a through axial bore I08 leading from a frontal recess H9 longitudinally of the valve, body or plug to the rear face thereof, to communication with common passage 14 so as to drain any fluid that may reach the front of the valve to the return line without leakage. As diagrammatically illustrated in Figs. 4 to 13 inclusive the valve or valve plugs or units except the first in the series are comprised of four longitudinally spaced diametrical levels or stages, for the purpose of providing transverse ports or passages connected in pairs by longitudinal passages. This enables the introduction of fluid pressure into an intermediate portion of one through diametric channel from an adjacent through diametric intake channel so as to create balanced pressure relative to the valve. It may be stated that the four stages are divided by a central transverse partltion and that the frontal or forward two levels on one side of the partition are concerned with the free flow circulation while the rearmost or outer two levels on the other sideof the partition are concerned with the pressure flows within the system. i l

The left hand or primary valve or valve body 84 (Figs. 2, 4 and 9), having the actuating shank II, is an exception to the rule respecting four levelsof transverse bores, inas ch as the foremost actual bore is omitted,although'the level therefor may be provided. The valve 84 has a transverse channel or passage 85 extending substantially diametrically of the cylindrical valve on the free flow side of the middlethereof. On the pressure flow side of the middle of the valve 84 there'is provided the forward pressure channel 88 communicating at both ends with a continuous peripheral channel 89, always in communication in all adjusted positions of the valve 8'4 with the port 58 of the channel 51 leading from the intake passage 56. The forward pressure channel 86 is in communication with the rear- 84' only) by means of an axial connecting passage l1, and with the rearmost pressure channel ll by a similar axial connecting channel 00. 5 Both valve 04 and valve 18 to be described have a pair of axially and radially extending relief or recessed ports respectively ll and 02, extending from the rear end face to the rearmost diametric channel level to communicate with the respective channels connected to the hydraulic agencies, lying in said diametrical level as shown in Figs. 8 and 8-A. Respectively and illustratively in the case of valve 04 the chan- .nel II and recessed ports ll and 82 selectively engage with connectors I3 and I4. Said ports II and 02 are represented on Figs. 14 and 15 as drainage channels 3|, 4i and 43 of valve units A, B and C respectively.

Considering the secondary valve of the two-' unit series as comprising the valve 10 (Fig. 4) .the foremost low pressure channel 90 communicates through the longitudinal channel 08 with the rearmost low pressure free flow fluid channel 94, the ends of which register with a continuous peripheral channel 05, as will be understood. There being no communication between the free flow end of the valve 10 and the pressure flow end except through the channels in the valves and bores I! and 63 in the housing, the foremost pressure channel I. is separated by a solid web or partition from channel 04, and like passage in valve 04, is shorter than the diameter of the valve as it terminates in the continuous peripheral groove 01, and communicates through the short axial or longitudinal connecting passage 98 with the rearmost pressure channel I00. It is preferred that each of the several transverse channels or passages extend diametrically through the valve. Although given different numbers for ease in explanation, it will be ob-- served that the high pressure passages, both diametric and axial, and the communicating peripheral grooves are similar and similarly located in both valves 04 and 10.

With the valves disposed as disclosed in Figs. 2 and 4, it will be understood that the freely flowing substantially pressureless fluid entering 55 impinges against closed surfaces of the valve lin'- er ii at each end of the diametric bore or duct I so that merely static pressure is in existence thereon so long as free flow exists through .the rest of the system. In the other direction to- 6 ward valve 84 the free flow through conduit 51 enters the peripheral groove 00 in the valve 84 and into the transverse pressure channel 80. From the latter the free flow may not pass upwardly through channel 00 into the bore 80 beascause each end of bore 80 is closed by the liner and the entrapped fluid is purely static and has no pressure head. However it can pass forwardly (longitudinally of the valve) through channel 81 into the free flow channel 85, then 70 laterally through port 64, channel 63 and port 05 in the valve housing, into the peripheral groove 05 of the valve 9!, from which it passes laterally through channel 04, then axially through the channel 93, into the trans- 76 verse bore 00, then laterally again through port the balance that attaches to the valve.

ward (or only) free flow channel 0!, (in valve ll, into the channel I0, into the return free flow channel I2 which is permanently in communication with common exhaust passage H. As the latter leads directly back to the pump the free flow circuit will be complete.

Assuming that valve 04 is turned in a counter clockwise direction it will be observed that the free flow will be out of! because of the misalignment of the free flow channel 05 relative to the stationary free flow channel 63, so that as the pump functions the pressure begins to build up in the system comprised of the rear half of valve II and all of valve ,but this is ineffective toward causing binding of valve 04 because of the substantially diametrical extent of the channel 05, which, because of valve rota ion is .now closed at both ends-by the housing or liner inner surface, whereby the action and reaction rela tive to the walls of the liner II are equal, opposite and cancelling. At the same time the channel ll of valve 04 has been placed in communication with the motor agency connector ll, while the vent port II has been placed in communication with the return connector l3. Obviously with such connection and set-up the actuation of the coupled agency I! will be promptly initiated and will be continued and the pressure will continue to build up until the maximum pressure for which the relief valve has been set will have been attained, during which the hydraulic motor II will have been actuated to the end of its cycle or stroke. Presumably this peak of pressure requiring relief is not reached until after the mncy has been actuated to the predetermined degree. It the valve 84 remains in motor coupled relation during this period and after the motor cycle is complete the fluid continues a circulation through th pump and the system by passing through the relief valve through line 0 or Figs. 14 and 15, and line I! of Fig. 3 as will be clear.

Assuming valve 84 to remain in neutral as disclosed in Fig. 4 and the related figures and valve II to be swung in a counter-clockwise direction which latter is indicated in the right hand portion of Fig. 8-A, such oscillation will cause misalignment of the free flow channel 09 relative to the return channel 10, and the effective sealing 01' both ends of the channel 00 by the solid wall.

of the liner II, which causes equal and opposite pressure at both ends of the channel as on opposite sides of the cylinder. As the pressure increases toward high pressure in the entire system comprised of both valves it is balanced in its pressure and reaction so that the valve 10 turns freely. As the channel I00 on the high .pressure level has registered with the port is while the return recess 0| registers with the channel 20 the building up of pressure in the system actuates the agency coupled to the shaft 20 (Figs. 1 and 14) and simultaneously drains the non-working side into the system through recess ll and common exhaust chamber or passage ll. Obviously the fact that when valve 10 is turned to cause high pressure duct I00 to reglater at one end with a solid wall and at the other with a conduit ll, makes no difference in The action at one end is opposed by the reaction of the housing, the action at the ported and is balanced by the fluid reacting pressure at the Junction of bore I00 with duct I8.

As shown in Fig. 8A, both of the valves can be actuated simultaneously and high pressure wfll be built up simultaneously in both agencies ing to the pump.

It is a part of this inventionto simplify the.

valve constructions by the creation of a plurality of units which can be readily assembled in-series of any desired numbers so as to control an ap propriate selected number of agencies. ac

complish this result with a-ininimum-oi parts and with maximum eflectiveness is an important principle of this invention and asdeveloped .re-

quires five basic combinations oi valve plug and housing as shown in Figab. to 13 inclusive. It isof interest to note that allot the high pressure passages and grooves are the same in each plug as in valve I0 and that there are not more than three varieties oi' tree-flow passages to take care of any desired number oi valve units in a series. In Fig. 9, there is disclosed the first valve necessary for any series of units,,.according to a preierred embodiment oi the invention, and it is constructed exactly in accordance with the valve 7 80 of Fig. 4. This valve is the first end valve of any series. With the first end valve common to all series, there are provided two opposite end combinations of valve plug and housing to be used alternately in accordance with the number in the series. The valve shown In Fig. 12, which 1 valve I06 of Fig. 11, comprising the second inis the valve 19 0! Fig. 4 is-always used when the series of units is even in number as indicated,

for instance, in Figs. 2 and 4. The combination of Figs. 9 and 12 as shown in Fig. 4 makes an even numbered series of two units. The intermediate units are shown respectively in Figs. 10" and 11. Fig. 10, which represents the first intermediate unit- IOI, must be capable of receiving the low pressure free flow fluid on the same level as the channel .05 01 valve 84 and fixed bore 00 in the housing, and to that end is provided on the iree flow end of the valve at the rearmost stage or level, with the peripheral groove I02, of such intermediate valve unit .IOI, in communication with the diametric bore I03 thereof. Fluid entering bore I03 from passage 03 passes through axial port I04 into the diametrical transverse channel I05. The valve unit IN is always the first intermediate valve of a series of three or more. The

termediate unit, in its arrangement of peripheral grooves and ducts and in axial direction of tree fiow is opposite and complemental to valve unit IOI of Fig. 10, inasmuch as atthe foremost level thereof the peripheral channel I" is provided, in communicationwith which the bore I00 is diametrically disposed, leading axially through passage I I0 into the rearward free flow transverse channel III, extending diametrically the full valve II! is provided having the same rearward pressure constructions-oi all of the other valves, but being provided 'in the free flow level with a foremost peripheral channel IIS, communicating with the short. transverse bore I, leading axiallythroughpassage H5, into the'iull length transverse diametric channel II... The latter is arranged to register with-a second-or rearmost free fiow level of a fixed transverse bore III in the housing leading to the return ensucommunicating pairs I each :out of communication housing have aport leading to..a secondary leading to the said firstmentioned valve, said housing havlng airee fiow channel-with which anothertransverse channel of .the second valve is arranged .for alignment and misalignment being, Thisis obviously alternate .to the valve Fig. 12 and applies ,to any odd'numper A detailed examination of Figs; Qto l3 inclusive will indicate that the five combinations ,shown' have been accomplished with the use 'oifonly three typeset valve plugs, as the plugs roiliigs.

l0 and 12 are identical as are the plugs of Figs. 11 and 13.. This further simplifies :the manuiacture of multiple valves. 7 I

Wlth suchan assembly of units in stock, it is.

obviously a simple matter toprovide housings and-coupling connections, capable of association with other housings so as to comprise the I desired built-up units. To indicate the manner in whichthese valves would be associated, :it might be observed that for two unitsathe valvesshown in Figs. 9 and 12 would be used. For-three units" 'thevalves shown in-Figs. 9, 10 and .13 areused.

For a four unit assembly valves'would be as'- sociated as shown inFigsr9, 10, 11- and 12. For five units, the valves would be associated as shown in Figs. 9,10, 11, 10 and 13. For six units I the assembly would comprise an assembly of the disclosuresof Figs. 9, 10,-11, 10,11 and 12,-and.so on. The intermediate valves as shown in Figs. 10 and 11 would simply continue to be alter: nated with the'appropriate right hand end element or unit selected from the valves of Fig. 12 or 13. The efliciency, economyand extreme de sirability oiv the. invention disclosed will be, ap-

preciated-I T .,I claim; I

-having an axis lyir' glin theplane containing another of said transverse channels or said. valve so as to be capable of alignmentand .misaligr'iq ment therewith. .as-, the ,valvefis oscillated. the remaining channel in valve being. susceptible to l nmen an .m a arm a w th ai ot conduit in said housing, )allof said channels in said ,valve being in communicati on,.y a second. valve having fourtransverse channels the axes oi which lie in-parallelv spaced planes each perpendicular to the voilsaid second valve, the channels oi. the second ,val've being arranged in with the other pair and oneioi eachpair oi chan- 'nels being always incommunication with peripheral grooves .iormed on the, second valve in alignment with said respective. conduitavsaid agency with which one .01 'said ,channels or the secondary valve is arranged. for alignmentand misalignment while its companion channel of .the. pair maintains communication with said conduit while its compan10n;hannel of the pair still maintains communication .with the other oisaid f conduits in the housing.

- lying respectively in longitudinally spaced diametric planes perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder, said channels being arranged in pairs respectively of .pressure channels and free flow channels located respectively, at each end of the valve and having longitudinal coinmimics/tingv channeljoi', said secondaiY- QIYQ from the tree ilowf channel oithe primary valve, means for s toppingj 'the;, iree flow it" leaves either valve p n ec n' fe avt 'wflfl l bm s up of pressure ini'eachoi' pressure channels substantiallyiqual, to that introduced to said common-means from suchsource. oi fluid power, said operativeassociation of the fluid motor agencies and" said valves being such that the re-' spective agencies are arranged to be actuated respectively by pressureirom said pressure channelsiwhen appropriate valves are actuated.

4. In a control valve system a plurality of valve 40 of from two to more than two, each valve unit having ,an open-ended substantially diametric pressure outlet channel onlythrough which pressure flow leaves the respective valve unit, and an 45 open-ended substantially diametric free flow outthe respective valve unit, meansconnecting the pressure channels of all of the valves for constant inter-communication so that pressure in one channel is accompanied by pressure in all,

introduced axially into each channel, but which pressure exerts no radial unbalance, meansconnecting the free flow channels m interruptible communication so that free now through the free flow channelsin series can take place introduced axially into each channel but can, be stopped by movement of any valve, means conducting fluid from and to the valve units, and power outlets arranged for selective coupling with one end of the pressure channel of a selected valve and the whole arranged so that no reaction pressure is eflective laterally on any valve'asthe reaction pressure or the fluid in a coupled pressure outlet is balanced by the reaction pressure .of the fluid against the valve housing at the opposite end of the coupled outlet.

5. In multiple valve systems a housing, a plurality of valves each independently movable in the housing and having a plurality, of channels oneoi' which extends transversely through the valve, a housing having a plurality of conduits respectively establishing communication between one'end of each transverse channel of one valve with another channel oi another valve, the chan- 7'5 nels and conduits being so arranged as to estab- 3. In a control 'valve system ai plurality of for normally conductingi fluid into the tree flow units arranged for operating association in groups let channel only through which tree flow leaves 2. A valve unit foramultiple 'valve'comprising a cylindrical plug having a plurality of substantially diametric transverse channels having axes.

lish a free flow circulatory path in series through allof the valves in each of which latter fluid enters the valve and passes axially into said communicating transverse channel to conduct it alongsaid tree'flo'w' path through the communicating conduit, flow being interrupted by movement of a selected valve causing the transverse channel therein to disestablish communicavverseichannel so as to balance the transverse pressure, eflective upon the valve.

In multiple valve systems a housing, a plu- I -;rality,j,oi ,-valves eachindependently movable in the housing and having a plurality of channels one 0t which extends transversely through the -.valve', a housing having a plurality of conduits respectively establishing communication between 11 one end oi' each transverse channel of one valve 'with another channel of another valve, the channelsand conduits being so arranged as to establish'a free flow circulatory path in series through all or the valves in each of which latter fluid.

enters the valve and passes axially into said communicating transverse channel to conduct it along said tree flow path through the communicating conduit, said flow being interrupted by movement of a selected valve causing the transverse channel therein to disestablish communication with its appropriate housing conduit to close said channel in said valve at each end by the housing, and said valves and their contained channels being each so arranged that when moved to interrupt free flow fluid impinges laterally upon the housing at each end or the transv verse channel so as to balance the transverse pressure effective upon the valve, the housing having a port for each valve juxtaposed thereto and communicating with a hydraulic agency,

other of said valve channels being inpermanent communication with others of said conduits in said housing so as to establish a high pressme line in parallel through-all oi the valves, each valve having also a high pressure through transverse outlet channel in axial communication with the said permanently communicating channel in said high pressure line in such valve arranged for closing at both ends by the walls of the housing or' selectively for communication with its juxtaposed port in said housing at one end and closed by a'wall of the housing at' the other end as the valveis moved from a positionof-iree flow to a position interrupting same, thearran'gement being such that movement of a selected; valve to interrupt the flow along the free flow path causes balanced pressures transversely oi the valve both from the pressure in the free flow passages and from pressure reaction on the fluid in the selected port by the equal pressure upon the wall of the housing at the other end 01' said high pressure transversechannel wherebyradial balance of the selected valve is secured.

I. In a control valve system, a plurality 01' valve units, each valve unit comprising a through 'diametric channel and passage means for introi I as 0,470 being many but oppositely staggered or so that {each said diametric channel communi- ,cates transversely substantially in the same plane said through diametric c with passagemeans oi the adjacent valve so that free now through all of d passage means and nels in said series is secured in a circuitous nonlinear path.

8. In multiple valve systems a housing, a plurality of valves each independently movable in the housing and having a plurality of channels one of which extends transversely through the valve, a housing having a plurality of conduits respectively establishing communication between one end or each transverse channel oi one valve with another channel or another valve, the channels and conduits being so arranged as to ems.-

lish a tree flow circulatory path in series through all of the valves in each 0! which latter fluid enters the valve and passes axially into said communicating transverse channel to conduct it along said tree flow path through the communicating conduit, said now being intermpted by movement or a selected valve causing the transverse channel therein to disestablish communication with its appropriate housing conduit to close said channel in said valveat each end by the housing, and said valves and their contained channels being each so arranged that when moved to interrupt tree flow liuid impinges laterally upon the housing at each end or the transverse channel so as to balance the transverse pressure eiiective upon the valve, the housing having a port for each valve juxtaposed thereto and communicating with a hydraulic agency.

line in parallel through transverse outlet channel in axial communication with the said permanently communicating channel in said high pressure line in such valve arranged for closing at both ends by the walls 01- the housing or selectively tor communication with its juxtaposed port in aid housing at one end and closed by a wall of the housing at the other end as the valve is 'moved from a position or tree flow to a positlon interrupting same, the arrangement being such that movement or a selected valve to interrupt the slow use: the tree flow path causes balanced pressures transversely or the valve both iromthe pressure in theiree iiow passages and onthe fluid in the selectedportby the. equal pressure upon-the wall o! other-fendiot said high pressure whereby radial balance ot the seiectedvalve is secured. said high pressureline, through the several valve channels andhousing conduits being so disposed and arranged thatattei'a selective valve-has been actuated to initiate. high. pressure flow in parallelother of v alve channels being in permanent communication with others of said conduits in housing so as to establish a high pressure through all of the valves any other valve can be subsequently actuated to couple its high pressure transverse channel with its appropriate port at one end with the wall oi the housing closing the other end to direct a pressure flow through said port withoutcreating lateral unbalance or the last mentioned valve. 7

* GEORGE W. D]: BELL. 

